Our exciting day begins with a drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. This realm of primary forests and wildlife ascends from the lowlands of the Caribbean through the Central Volcanic Range to the Central Valley of San José. We will pass through the spectacular mix of cloud and rain forest, and marvel at the rich mix of flora and fauna. 

 On arrival in the capital, we will begin our tour of this handsome city. Our journey will take us past La Sabana Park, the ambassadorial residences, the National Stadium, the National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral, with a brief stop for shopping. We will then pass through Moravia to see the world famous Costa Rican handcraft and art before we stop for a delicious typical lunch at one of San Jose's most beloved restaurants.

The Poas Volcano and Sarchi / Oxcart Factory Tour is an unforgettable combination of the spectacular natural wonders and unique craftsmenship of Costa Rica. 

We begin our tour as we ascend the magnificent Poás Volcano. Once we reach the summit of 8,884 feet above sea level, we will see the steaming fumaroles of the awesome crater which is 1.5 km wide and take in the breathtaking view of the central valley. This is the most visited national park in Costa Rica. 

After admiring the wonders in Poás National Park, we will enjoy a scenic trip to the Oxcart Factory in Sarchí with a stop for a delicious lunch of typical Costa Rican cuisine. Sarchí, which is Costa Rica's artisan center, is the home to some of Costa Rica's finest handcrafted art and we will be able to see the artisans painting the world famous oxcarts. They are beautifully decorated and come in various sizes so you can take one home with you!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the power of earth's constant growth by visiting the site of a live erupting volcano. Arenal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas, and you can feel the ground tremble when it erupts while you view this magnificent spectacle from the soothing waters of the Tabacon Hot Springs, a resort with 12 mineral pools that are naturally heated by the volcano. This magnificent resort also features an indoor jacuzzi and a full spa that offers over a dozen rejuvinating treatments. Later, after you are fully relaxed from the hot springs, we will enjoy the top notch buffet offered at the Tabacon resort.

The Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, just over 683 hectares, but it remains one of the most amazing, and most popular to visit. Among a small forested area and three exceptionally beautiful beaches you will find a truly tropical paradise. Here, the mountains meet the sea, the beaches are covered with coconut palms and the ecosystem is teeming with land, air and sea species. During the 2 hour walk on the park trails, we will have the opportunity to see the endangered squirrel monkey, (Manuel Antonio boasts the largest population in the world), various colorful and majestic birds, white faced monkeys, sloth, brilliantly colored land crabs, and colorful butterflies. The average temperature is around 80 degrees, making the walk very comfortable and pleasant.

After our walk, you will enjoy a tropical lunch, right on the beach! There will be time to enjoy the beach and the warm ocean waters. Also, before heading back to the ship, we will have time to explore the shops in the town of Quepos.

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram will take you on a fascinating tour through the tall tropical tree-tops that offers you the chance to see wildlife found only within the canopy system. The Pacific Tram Park is a new location and boasts a cascading 40-foot waterfall, giant rainforest trees and panoramic views of the ocean. Home to two-thirds of all rain forest species, this hanging gardens of plants and animals is a magical world of rare beauty and amazing biological diversity. The Rain Forest Aerial Tram is a 1½ hour ride from Puntarenas.

After you enjoy the 1-1/4 hour ride in the tram, we will enjoy a delicious typical lunch and still have time to relax and browse in the souvenir shop at the tram base. 

The Carara Biological Reserve is a transitional forest that connects a northern dry region to a southern wet region. Consequently, it is home to an incredible variety of plant life and abundant wildlife. After a relaxing ride, our morning hike will take us through the heart of the forest. We will see countless species of animals such as scarlet macaws, white faced monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundis, and more.

After the park, you will enjoy a delicious tropical lunch by the Tárcoles River. While you eat, you can see Crocodiles, some of them more than 3 meters long! We will then head back via the Caldera highway. 

This tour takes you to the biggest and most complete park in Central America. In 495 acres, you will discover the beauty of butterfies, a tree fossil, the unique botanical collections, the most amazing forest trails, thrilling adventure tours, Costa Rica cultural history, and more. You will enjoy a ride on a aerial tramway spanning 2,000 ft. at a height of 265 ft., featuring the latest European technology and breathtaking views of Turu Bari Tropical Park. We will then enjoy a Costa Rican lunch before we relax and discover the Countryside Farm.

This exciting canopy tour is located in a primary jungle area only a 10 min walk from Mahogany Park, an area that has been protected since the early 1900's when land owners set most of it aside as a private reserve. The climate in this area is very warm and usually humid. This is a tropical transition forest between the dry lowland forest of the north and the wet rainforest of the south and therefore rich in bio-diversity. We recommend you wear shorts and a t-shirt and bring a change of clothing, as they will get sweaty or wet from the rain.

The tour consists of 10 platforms, and follows a small stream. You will have the opportunity to see white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys from the platforms as well as many varieties of birds and the endangered mahogany trees. At the end of the tour, the more adventurous person can try a 21 meter rappel down to the edge of the stream. We will then enjoy a delicious lunch before we head back to the ship.